What is the "BCVS pathway?"

The BCVS pathway is an alternative learning program and there are a limited number of positions.  We will consider a limited number of students for the 2023-24 school year.  Students participating in the virtual pathway take classes online outside of the school setting. The classes are not direct instruction, rather they are using a learning platform where the student reads to learn. To be a successful member of the BCVS, a student needs to be an independent, self-motivated learner. A BCVS student should also have good technological and communication skills. For students in grades K - 5, there will be a high level of caregiver involvement.  All students will attend weekly TEAMS meetings with the teacher in order for the student to be successful. There is no cost to participate.  Families would need to have reliable access to the internet to participate.     

These students are considered Berkeley County School students, would earn credits towards graduation and would be able to participate in school activities, if eligible.  Some of the activities in which virtual pathway students can participate are as follows: picture day, field days, plays, dances, sports, clubs, and other activities the same as students who attend school in person each day. 

A few insights from BCVS...

Thank you for your interest in the BCVS pathway.  I would like to share some of the information that we have discovered during our last few years of the program.

First and foremost, it is important to realize the familial commitment that you will be making when you sign your child up for this program.  While students have teachers for their classes, much of the responsibility for developing a schedule, monitoring student work, and providing support will come from the family.  Most students cannot complete the BCVS pathway without significant parental support.  That support comes in the form of setting up the structure and monitoring student progress.

There is a significant change between education in the school setting versus the virtual setting.  The virtual platform takes a bit of time to master.  This may cause initial stress and frustration.  To help with this change, we provide a mandatory orientation where we provide an initial introduction to the platform.  It still takes a few weeks to become comfortable with the new process.

Students can graduate with a BCS high school diploma and can take almost all of the same classes as students who attend in person.  There are some classes that can only be taken in person.  ROTC and Driver’s Education are two examples, but not the only classes.  Most of the assignments, tests, projects, and presentations are completed online, but not all.  Traditionally, there are some proctored quizzes/tests/benchmark assessments that students will need to complete and that will be done at a specified location on set dates. The sign up for those will be posted at a later date.

Tutoring is available to all BCVS students by Berkeley County Schools. 

The BCVS is not its own school.  All BCVS students are members of their respective schools, can participate in school activities and are encouraged to do so.  Students will be working with their schools to create schedules, take school assessments, and to participate in school activities.